Chemistry International Programme

The BSc Chemistry International Programme at University College London (UCL) is a comprehensive and demanding undergraduate degree designed for students who have a passion for chemistry and wish to pursue their studies in an intellectually stimulating environment. This programme offers a rigorous curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory skills, preparing students for careers in academia, industry, or further research. Throughout the programme, students explore core areas of chemistry including organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry, gaining a deep understanding of chemical principles and their applications. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests through optional modules, projects, and laboratory work. UCL’s world-renowned faculty, cutting-edge laboratories, and modern facilities provide an ideal setting for learning and experimentation. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent research, fostering skills that are vital for scientific innovation. International students benefit from UCL’s diverse and inclusive community, engaging with peers from around the world and participating in collaborative projects. Additionally, the programme may offer opportunities for placements, internships, and exchange programmes with partner institutions worldwide, enhancing cultural and professional development. Upon completion of the BSc Chemistry International Programme, graduates will be equipped with a solid foundation in chemistry, research experience, and transferable skills that open pathways to postgraduate study or employment across various sectors such as pharmaceuticals, environmental science, materials development, and more. The programme’s comprehensive nature and global outlook make it an excellent choice for students aiming to excel in the dynamic and evolving field of chemistry.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

In the first year, all students take the module 'Introduction to Chemical Principles'. This serves to consolidate A level (or equivalent) Chemistry and generate an awareness of modern chemistry as an integrated whole. In the second term the fundamentals of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry are introduced separately. Along with your optional modules, you'll also take a module in mathematics that's appropriate to your ability.
In the second year, the three main themes of chemistry are again developed in individual modules, leaving you free to choose two optional modules, which can be either chemical or non-chemical.

You will spend the third year at an overseas university in an English-speaking country, for example the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) or the University of Toronto. The third-year modules are primarily lecture-based, and are taught in English.

In the final year of the MSci, you will undertake a chemical research project and optional modules, allowing you to specialise in the field of chemistry of your choice.

A levels

Grades

AAA

Subjects

Chemistry and either one science subject or Mathematics required.

GCSEs

English Language at grade C plus Mathematics at grade B. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

38

Subjects

A total of 18 points in three higher level subjects including Chemistry and either Mathematics or a science, with no score below 5.

The Chemistry International Programme at University College London offers diverse financing options to support students throughout their studies. Undergraduate students can benefit from various schemes, including government-backed student loans provided by the UK government, which cover tuition fees and provide living cost support. These loans are repayable based on income after graduation, making higher education more accessible. Additionally, there are scholarships and bursaries available for international students, such as the UCL Global Scholarships, which offer tuition fee waivers and living expenses assistance, aimed at attracting talented students worldwide. Students are encouraged to apply early for these awards, as eligibility criteria and application procedures vary annually. Moreover, UCL's financial aid office provides detailed guidance on part-time work opportunities, which many students utilize to offset living costs while studying. International students may also consider external funding sources, such as government grants from their home countries, private scholarships from foundations, or sponsorships from organizations supporting STEM education. For students pursuing combined or specialized research components within their programme, funding may be available through research assistantships or external research grants, depending on the project scope and faculty availability. The university promotes financial planning from the outset of the application process, urging prospective students to explore all available options and consult with UCL's financial services to tailor a sustainable financial plan. Overall, the university’s comprehensive approach ensures that students can focus on their academic pursuits without undue financial strain, promoting an inclusive and diverse learning environment.

The Chemistry International Programme at University College London (UCL) offers students a unique opportunity to engage with the fundamental sciences of chemistry on a global scale. Designed for international students and those interested in a comprehensive understanding of chemistry, the programme emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory skills. Students enrolled in this programme will explore various aspects of chemistry, including organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry, while also developing skills in research, data analysis, and scientific communication. The curriculum integrates cutting-edge research techniques and modern instrumentation, preparing graduates for careers in academia, industry, or further postgraduate study.

Throughout the course, students benefit from UCL’s renowned research environment, participating in projects that address real-world problems such as sustainability, medicinal chemistry, and materials science. The programme features a blend of lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, and collaborative projects, fostering an active learning atmosphere. Additionally, students have access to UCL’s extensive network of partnerships with industry and research institutes, providing opportunities for internships, work placements, and collaborative research projects. The programme also emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to engage with other scientific disciplines and explore global scientific challenges.

Students are supported by experienced academic staff from diverse backgrounds, many of whom are leading experts in their fields. The university’s strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion ensures a rich cultural environment, where international students feel welcomed and encouraged to thrive academically and socially. The programme prepares students not only for careers in chemistry but also equips them with critical skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, intercultural communication, and adaptability, which are highly valued across many sectors.

Graduates of the Chemistry International Programme at UCL have gone on to successful careers in pharmaceuticals, chemical manufacturing, environmental science, education, and research. UCL’s reputation and the comprehensive nature of the programme make it an excellent choice for students seeking a rigorous and globally-oriented education in chemistry. The duration of the programme typically spans three to four years, depending on whether it includes a placement year or study abroad component. Overall, the Chemistry International Programme aims to cultivate a new generation of scientists who are equipped to tackle pressing scientific challenges worldwide with innovation and insight.